Team left to right:
Madeline Mullins, 4th year, Management, Western Precision Products (third generation family member), Tualatin
Zachary Fritzler, 2nd year, Finance, Cleanway Carpet Systems (second generation family member), Hillsboro
Taylor Smith, 2nd year, Finance, Columbia Associates Financial Group (second generation family member), Beaverton
Also pictured is the UVM 2nd year student ambassador Matt Spargo who accompanied the team during the 5-day event.
The team traveled to Burlington, Vermont from January 8th – 13th to participate in the 6th annual Global Family Enterprise Case Competition. In the undergraduate division of the competition there were 13 international teams from countries including Mexico, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and Malaysia. Graduate teams representing the US, Australia, Sweden, the Phillipines, Canada and France attended.
The OSU team was assigned to a division with four teams. After presenting the pre-arrival case, the team placed 4th of four teams. The following day the team placed third of four teams and on the final day the team again increased their ranking to place second in their division. At the end of the competition, the team was tied for 8th of 13 undergraduate teams.
At the finalist recognition reception, Judge Randy Waesche came over to the OSU team to congratulation the students on their participation and noted that they should be very proud of what they had accomplished for their first time in the competition. Because two of the three team members were second year students, the OSU team had 8 years of business education prior to competing compared to the competition average of 10.7 years of business education per team.
International team participation and graduate-level caliber of this competition provides an exceptional opportunity to develop professional communication and behavioral skills. Here’s what the team members had to say about their experience:
Maddie Mullins
“As a fourth year student, I can confidently say that attending FECC has been the most challenging, eye opening, and rewarding experience of my college career. While many other teams buckled under pressure, our teamwork and determination allowed us to ultimately succeed and grow together. As a first year team, I am proud that we were able to represent Oregon State University in a positive light. The Global Family Enterprise Case Competition is an experience that I will take away as one of my very favorite memories throughout my time here at OSU. “
Taylor Smith
“Competing in the Global Family Enterprise Case Competition was an amazing experience for me to broaden both my academic and personal horizons. I learned a great deal about public speaking, working under pressure, and networking with peers and industry professionals. The most valuable experience was seeing the opportunities that are available for young professionals all around the world and learning about all of the amazing students of my generation.”
Zachary Fritzler
“I came into the competition extremely nervous, mainly because, in practice for the competition, I had done poorly in terms of my presentation quality. But through the stress and nerves of the 4 hour prep times, and the experience of the competition, I got over my presentation block, and am happy about participating and eager to do it again.”
Congratulations to the OSU Undergraduate team for a great first showing at the competition, and a special thank you to team coach Dr. Sherri Noxel!
For complete information on the Global Family Enterprise Case Competition please visit the University of Vermont’s competition webpage.
